Taking a yearling's temperature?

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domane

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Will it be a two-man job? Never had to do this before and I'm expecting histrionics, but am wondering if it's not going to be as bad as I'm imagining? Anyone got any experiences please?
 
I've never done this before, but if I were going to tackle this job I'd get a friend to hold the horse's head and put him in his stable backed up to the door, so you take his temp over the door - that way if he kicks out, he hits the door and not you. I'd also make sure the thermometer has a long bit of string VERY firmly attached, so if he wriggles and you lose your grasp you have more of a chance of preventing any... swallowing incidents:eek:

ETA and I would probably have the mate doing the head holding equipped with yummy treats to distract him from the issue at hand :)
 
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Thank you! Some very sensible ideas there and I'm liking the idea of the stable door very much! I never even considered the fact that the thermometer could ahem... disappear.... so I'll possibly firmly stick some twine onto the end of it...

Many thanks again :)
 
Hi use plenty of vaseline so its easy to insert, keep it to one side so it doesnt go into any poo, feed treats and it should be ok ;)
 
All done! :) OH came with me and we actually took it in the field. We got him cornered and I stood behind the gate, just in case and we broke our golden rule of not hand-feeding him any treats, but when it's a potential health issue, rules can be bent slightly, eh? Apart from jumping slightly when inserted, he stood as good as gold, didn't lash out and was more concerned about eating... typical coblet. The best bit is that he doesn't have a temperature. Thanks again for the helpful advice...
 
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